Head of Outdoor Learning
Full time, all-year-round
Starting September 2025
Executive Summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Head of Outdoor Learning. This is a full-time, all-year-round role and comes with the opportunity to design and curate a novel and exciting programme of outdoor learning across the Senior School. The successful candidate will lead the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) programme at all levels, develop and coach outdoor activities, and seek opportunities to enhance the outdoor skills of all pupils
Outdoor Learning at Headington Rye Oxford
The Headington Rye Outdoor Learning programme is a central part of the School’s extensive co-curricular offering. The aim is to enhance the learning experience of pupils by equipping them with key skills to ensure that they are ‘future-ready’. The Department works closely with Prep and Senior teaching staff to deliver a comprehensive Outdoor Learning experience.
Reporting to the Assistant Head (Pupil Development) in the Senior School, the postholder will be responsible for developing a cohesive Outdoor Learning curriculum. A key responsibility of the Department is to play a central role in the programme of off-site trips, which occur both during school terms and in school holidays.
Role Description
This is a full time, all-year-round position, from September 2025
Key Responsibilities
- lead the design and implementation of an Outdoor Learning curriculum in the Senior School
- collaborate with Senior School staff to ensure consistency and progression in outdoor learning opportunities
- collaborate with Prep School staff to ensure continuity and progression of the Outdoor Learning curriculum between the Prep and Senior Schools
- develop and promote the use of outdoor spaces for teaching, learning and pastoral activities at the Senior School and provide support in this area for the Prep School
- support the planning and execution of outdoor learning trips and off-site activities
- as Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) Centre Manager, lead and manage a safe, ambitious, and impactful DofE programme across all award levels
- organise training, practice and qualifying expeditions, managing DofE resources, budgets and external liaison
- develop and deliver a range of adventurous activities from the school’s Boathouse, such as paddleboarding and kayaking
- co-ordinate and manage outdoor education equipment
- participate in weekend and holiday trips as part of the School’s commitment to outdoor education
- further duties as required in order to continue the development of Outdoor Learning at Headington Rye
Person Specification
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- track record of leading and coordinating outdoor expeditions and activities, including experience of the DofE programme
- experience working with school-age children in an educational setting
- clean driving licence with D1+E qualification (or willingness to obtain D1+E)
Desirable
- recognised qualifications in outdoor expeditions (eg as ‘Lowland’, ‘Hill & Moorland’ and/or ‘Mountain’ Leader)
- recognised coaching qualifications in outdoor activities (e.g. paddleboarding, kayaking)
Personal Attributes and Skills
- visionary and self-starting, with the ability to lead, motivate and inspire pupils and staff
- passionate about outdoor education and its role in developing young people
- strategic thinker who can balance the big picture with practical delivery
- energetic, approachable and resilient, with excellent communication skills
- excellent understanding of outdoor safety, risk management and expedition planning
- ability to co-ordinate and work with a variety of stakeholders across multiple sites
- highly organised with the ability to design a long-term curriculum
- proficiency with the DofE system
- commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
- sympathy with the values and ethos of the School
Terms of Appointment
Type of Contract
Full time, all-year-round starting September 2025
Benefits
Pension
Contributory membership of the School’s Support Staff Pension Scheme with a School contribution of up to 9.95 per cent upon successful completion of six months’ service.
Fee remission
In accordance with the School’s policy, which may be subject to change, up to 50 per cent fee remission for pupils attending Headington Rye Oxford and up to 20 per cent fee remission for boys attending Magdalen College School (under a reciprocal agreement) and subject to the terms of their policy. Fee remission is calculated on the number of weeks and hours worked and is pro rata for part-time staff who work at least 50 per cent of a normal working week.
Salary
£40,000 pa
Additional Benefits
All staff have access to a broad programme of wellbeing activities. The programme currently includes access to the School’s gym and swimming pool, weekly Step and Tone and Zumba classes and regular staff social activities such as Book Club and Staff Choir. Staff also benefit from free access to the Employee Assistance Programme, a free, confidential helpline that offers advice on a range of issues. Free restricted parking is available for all staff on site.
Appointment Process and How To Apply
Applicants should submit an application form and a covering letter detailing their skills and experience to recruitment@headingtonschool.com
- Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the application form in full. CVs will not be accepted in substitution for completed application forms. However, they may be sent in addition to the application form.
- We will seek references on shortlisted candidates and will approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications, before the interview. References will ask about your suitability to work with children.
- If you are invited to interview you will receive notification outlining the interview process and guidance regarding the documentation you are required to provide.
Closing Date: Friday 11th July 12.00 pm
Interviews: week commencing Monday 14th July
Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts early depending on the volume of applications we receive. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application form.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of all employment checks, ie references, Disclosure and Barring Service, medical questionnaire, Right to Work in the UK. Headington Rye Oxford is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and DBS and barred lists checks. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
